If you don't have time to cram in an extra SoulCycle class before your weekend getaway, try a body-sculpting beauty product—like those from Rodial—to get your skin beach-ready. You can thank Rodial founder and CEO Maria Hatzistefanis for these wonder workers. Products with names like Bum Lift, Boob Job, and Tummy Tuck pretty much speak for themselves.

Fans of the scientifically savvy British brand include Jessica Biel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Lady Gaga. Hatzistefanis—who also launched the Nip + Fab line in 2010—offered us her best advice for prepping your bod for bikini season, the dangers of waxing, and why you should be stocking up on yogurt.

What parts of the body need the most attention and protection during the summer?

Legs and arms are revealed a lot more during the summer so it's important to target those areas in the weeks leading up to summer. Mix resistance training with a firming gel like Rodial Arm Sculpt to help firm and tone the upper arm area and combine moves like squats and lunges with an all-over toning cream, like Rodial Size Zero, to get your legs in better shape.

They say you can tell a woman's age by the state of her knees. What's the best way to fight signs of aging in this area?

This is very true: Women's knees are prone to sagging as we age, but there are ways to combat this. Use a firming body moisturizer like Rodial Body Sculpture to tighten and firm stubborn areas and switch from heavy-duty exercises like running to yoga and Pilates, as this can help alleviate the pressure put on the knees and prevent skin sagging further.

Any tips for covering up bruises, shaving nicks, and veins, which tend to be exposed during the summer months?

A fake tan hides a multitude of sins! I recommend applying your favorite tan weekly to help conceal any marks on the skin and using a face and body foundation/concealer on those areas that need more coverage.

How do cellulite and firming creams actually work? How often must they be applied?

Cellulite creams help by increasing the cell metabolism and draining the cells from excess water retention. They also help improve the appearance of orange peel, and smooth and tone the skin. I would always recommend using a cellulite cream alongside regular exercise, body brushing, and drinking lots of water to further help improve the appearance of cellulite.

What's your take on body brushes and exfoliating? How much is too much?

I would say body brush or exfoliate every other day to avoid aggravating the skin, and make sure you are very gentle in your application, rubbing in circular movements towards the heart to boost circulation.

Are there any application techniques that can maximize a product's benefits on the skin?

Definitely. I always recommend massaging into skin in circular movements, paying particular attention to those problem areas like the bum, thighs, and hips. This can help improve circulation, which helps blood flow, plumping out the area.

What's the biggest skincare mistake women make in terms of their summer body care?

Not enough sunscreen. We should use around five bottles for a week's vacation, but most people only tend to use one. The sun is one of the biggest causes of skin aging, so we really need to protect our skin when we're out and about. I recommend SPF 30 for the body, but the paler your skin tone, the more protection you will need. Apply a palm-size amount of a waterproof or long-wear formula to each section of the body 30 minutes before you go out into the sun each day. I like to mix my SPF with a tinted body cream with pearl to give my skin a sexy sheen.

What's the best way to treat a sunburn and scorched skin?

First of all, try not to stay in the sun too long: Sunburn is the worst thing for your skin and can cause serious damage. If you do get a little too much sun, I recommend keeping a rich, aloe vera-based body moisturizer in the fridge and applying this all over the body to help cool and soothe redness.

A lot of women are waxing or getting laser hair removal ahead of summer. How does that affect the skin?

Waxing or laser hair removal can cause skin to be more sensitive to both sunlight and beauty products. This is because the more sensitive layers of skin often become exposed. Try getting your hair removal out of the way a few days before you hit the beach and make sure you use an SPF to protect skin from the sun.

Any tips for at-home natural body masks?

Combine natural yogurt with honey and a touch of mashed carrot for a brightening, smoothing, and moisturizing at-home body treatment. Yogurt is also great for soothing any sunburn and cooling skin after a day in the sun.